formatting hard drive without losing files?

[GrInD1901]

hey guys, i need to format my drive...i have 100 gb drive..windows xp. i have about 50 gb free space. i need to format and this is the only drive i got and i would like to not lose some of the files....can i make a new partition with a clean install..and then transfer files i need onto it and delete the old one?

THANKS

 

[blackangst1]

I think the only way you can partition it, with the OS on it, is with partition magic.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: blackangst1
I think the only way you can partition it, with the OS on it, is with partition magic.

Correct! Then copy your files into that partition and format the other one. P/M 8 is the way to go.

 

[bsobel]

If you can, I would still suggest purchasing a 100gig external drive (you can use it as your backup drive in the future) and then copy your files there first....

 

[imported_Pedro69]

What I would do is the following: Make a second partition either in Windows with PM or get the Hiren Boot CD 8 and partition it with that. After that move your Document folder completely to the just created new partition (right click on My Documents and then click move). This way your docs will be protected in the future if the OS on the first partiton crashes.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: Pedro69
What I would do is the following: Make a second partition either in Windows with PM or get the Hiren Boot CD 8 and partition it with that. After that move your Document folder completely to the just created new partition (right click on My Documents and then click move). This way your docs will be protected in the future if the OS on the first partiton crashes.

This will help if only the OS crashes, But if the hard drive crashes its all a wash, loose everything.

I would say got the seperate usb drive and back it up there, as the art of creating a second partition is dangerous also... You could loose it all. Partition Magic also recommends you back up your data before proceeding.

pcgeek

 

[ty1er]

Originally posted by: bsobel
If you can, I would still suggest purchasing a 100gig external drive (you can use it as your backup drive in the future) and then copy your files there first....

Thats the way i would do it.
You can beat backing up you files to a seperate external HD. Over a long enough time line - when the poop hits the fan, youll be glad you spent the 50~100 bucks on the drive.

 

[WildHorse]

There was a good article on digg.com the otehr day on
temporarily preserving your existing, messed up installation inside a virtual computer, then reformatting and reinstalling outside the virtual PC. After the new installation eventualy gets up to speed, then you delete the virtual PC.

I've never done this, but may try it soon.

Brief article

You will of course save all your DATA to anoter hard drive in your rig.